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Thank you! A little concerned it may be too small of a grain and will create cloudiness more often than not, but time will tell.
IM INT 100 Gallon Build
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Didn’t read through everything but pics say a lot. You’re on a good track. What you’LL notice is the rocks closest to the window will grow the most algae. I went the TBS route toi and glad I did. I’ve dosed nothing else. Just a Bashsea skimmer to hold up against an octo and has been great. No regrets. I had a few unwanted things but all are gone but the mantis. It’s just one and I hear it but have only seen it maybe 3 times In 8 months.
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Thanks! I am worried about the algae with it being close to the window. Luckily that window doesn’t get direct sunlight and my wife understands that keeping it closed will mean less maintenance for me more than likely.
Right now my dilemma is currently on which light and how many. I was leaning toward the Kessil AP9X however I don’t want one light fixture that would prevent me from adjusting different zones down the line if I wanted to keep SPS. I’ve considered the Radion 30s however can’t find a lot on the spread or haven’t looked in the right place to determine how many I would likely need. AI isn’t out of the question either. Too many options. As long as it’s not too much blue, but a natural looking deep blue, I’ll be happy and hopefully so will the corals.
The sand is my more immediate concern since it’s oolite mixed with aragonite. I didn’t rinse like a dummy so not sure what to do if flow gets bad. Replace now, later, or ride it out.
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TBS Live Rock & Coral Update!
Got my shipment in from TBS and have to say I am far from disappointed. Well worth the month wait, and the price at $6/lb it blows any LFS live rock out of the water. I unpacked the 20lbs of rock, and placed in my aquarium. Found a few hitchhikers such as some crabs and even a snail. It feels like I'm finding new things every day. I believe there was a small gorilla crab that came with it, which I removed. If anyone has any insight into what some of the things on the rock are, I'd be curious to learn more. We did end up moving some of the smaller rocks around to ensure good placement. Then found a nice piece of live rock at a LFS and had to pay an arm and a leg for it (at least it felt like that). But it ties it all together much better with it being a taller rock on the right side. More pics to come as this rock isn't shown.
Curious mainly what the red stuff is on the rock (pictures 2 and 3), the orange stuff on picture 5 , and the surprising number of feather looking things that extend from holes on the rock that you cant see in the photos.
With the rock in, and after testing parameters over the past couple weeks. I finally decided to get a frag of GSP. I ended up buying one AI Hydra 32, with plans to buy one more. Luckily, the GSP frag came with some zoas, however I feel like already (after 3 days) the zoas are getting overran on this small rock they both came on. Planning to separate the two and MAYBE putting the GSP on the back wall for that wavy grass like background?
Got my shipment in from TBS and have to say I am far from disappointed. Well worth the month wait, and the price at $6/lb it blows any LFS live rock out of the water. I unpacked the 20lbs of rock, and placed in my aquarium. Found a few hitchhikers such as some crabs and even a snail. It feels like I'm finding new things every day. I believe there was a small gorilla crab that came with it, which I removed. If anyone has any insight into what some of the things on the rock are, I'd be curious to learn more. We did end up moving some of the smaller rocks around to ensure good placement. Then found a nice piece of live rock at a LFS and had to pay an arm and a leg for it (at least it felt like that). But it ties it all together much better with it being a taller rock on the right side. More pics to come as this rock isn't shown.
Curious mainly what the red stuff is on the rock (pictures 2 and 3), the orange stuff on picture 5 , and the surprising number of feather looking things that extend from holes on the rock that you cant see in the photos.
With the rock in, and after testing parameters over the past couple weeks. I finally decided to get a frag of GSP. I ended up buying one AI Hydra 32, with plans to buy one more. Luckily, the GSP frag came with some zoas, however I feel like already (after 3 days) the zoas are getting overran on this small rock they both came on. Planning to separate the two and MAYBE putting the GSP on the back wall for that wavy grass like background?
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The first coral image was Monday, the day it was purchased. This is it 3 days later.
Running lights at 40% for 8 hours a day.
Running lights at 40% for 8 hours a day.
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FISH UPDATE!
Got two Snowflake Clownfish who seem to be loving the tank so far. I have a Fluval SEA 50GPH power head in the back right of the corner that creates a channel between the rocks, which is 90% of the time where these two clowns can be seen swimming next to each other side by side.
I also ended up placing my GSP on the overflow for that wavy look and got a rack for my Zoa frag, in an attempt to get it to propagate/grow. The GSP definitely seems to be doing great, however I’m not entirely sure about the Zoa, but it doesn’t look like it’s dying so that’s a good sign.
Just turned the light on for these zoas to get a pic, so not fully extended.
At the same time I got the clowns, just to be extra sure my tank was on the right track, I dosed it with Turbo Fritz 900 and some Tiger Pods to try to establish at some point a population for any fish I might be interested in to feed on. After a few days, the tank started showing its ugly phase with diatoms and some of the life on the live rock seemed to be receding or less active. Unsure if I did something wrong but the parameters seem fine.
—As of 9-17-2024—
Salinity - 1.025
PH - 8/8.2
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite - 0ppm
Nitrate - 5ppm
Still need to test calcium, phosphate, and KH. I don’t have any tests for magnesium or alkalinity yet, so those will be my next purchase. Let me know what y’all think.
Got two Snowflake Clownfish who seem to be loving the tank so far. I have a Fluval SEA 50GPH power head in the back right of the corner that creates a channel between the rocks, which is 90% of the time where these two clowns can be seen swimming next to each other side by side.
I also ended up placing my GSP on the overflow for that wavy look and got a rack for my Zoa frag, in an attempt to get it to propagate/grow. The GSP definitely seems to be doing great, however I’m not entirely sure about the Zoa, but it doesn’t look like it’s dying so that’s a good sign.
Just turned the light on for these zoas to get a pic, so not fully extended.
At the same time I got the clowns, just to be extra sure my tank was on the right track, I dosed it with Turbo Fritz 900 and some Tiger Pods to try to establish at some point a population for any fish I might be interested in to feed on. After a few days, the tank started showing its ugly phase with diatoms and some of the life on the live rock seemed to be receding or less active. Unsure if I did something wrong but the parameters seem fine.
—As of 9-17-2024—
Salinity - 1.025
PH - 8/8.2
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite - 0ppm
Nitrate - 5ppm
Still need to test calcium, phosphate, and KH. I don’t have any tests for magnesium or alkalinity yet, so those will be my next purchase. Let me know what y’all think.
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OP
Another update!
My TBS live rock had some micro brittle stars that I’ve started to see. Along with the red mithrax crab or two continuously staking a small cave.
GSP frag on the back wall is doing great. The palythoa frag that came with it that I separated from the GSP wasn’t doing the best, but since I’ve moved it toward the bottom of the tank the past few days, it’s been looking better.
Also picked up a cleaner shrimp and a purple tipped frogspawn coral which have been doing well for the past couple weeks. I recently in the last few days also added a Yellow Sea cucumber a little impulsively but it seems to be doing well.
Parameters seem to be a little on the lower end but stable as can be.
My TBS live rock had some micro brittle stars that I’ve started to see. Along with the red mithrax crab or two continuously staking a small cave.
GSP frag on the back wall is doing great. The palythoa frag that came with it that I separated from the GSP wasn’t doing the best, but since I’ve moved it toward the bottom of the tank the past few days, it’s been looking better.
Also picked up a cleaner shrimp and a purple tipped frogspawn coral which have been doing well for the past couple weeks. I recently in the last few days also added a Yellow Sea cucumber a little impulsively but it seems to be doing well.
Parameters seem to be a little on the lower end but stable as can be.
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OP
I made some new additions to the tank, and started having suspicions about some of the crabs lurking in my tank.
Recently got a mushroom coral, believe it is a jawbreaker, at least that’s what it was advertised to me as. It seems to be growing well, with its base starting to cover more of the rock it’s on, and another head showing on a closer section of the rock.
Got this Kenya tree coral, it didn’t quite take off with where I had it placed in the sand. Especially since the new yasha goby and pistol shrimp I got practically buried it at one point. Moved it to some rock work right above where they were digging and it seems to be taking off pretty well.
I also got a yellow watchman goby, however he stays on his side of the tank and doesn’t come out too much. Thinking I should get him a shrimp as well. The best picture I have of this little guy is the bag I got him in, while he was acclimating.
I also got a royal gramma who has been extremely shy, but I’ve noticed starting to come out more and more as time goes on. I was a little concerned that the two clowns were bullying it but they seemed to be just curious in general.
The paly frag that came on the GSP I bought early on is starting to thrive on its separate rock. I separated the small frag from the GSP and glued it to a plug, then placed on a rock after it got a little bigger. Not a really big fan of it, but like how I was able to help it thrive.
The GSP on the back wall seems to be getting bigger and started to develop a mat onto the overflow. Waiting to see when it takes off.
And holy cow this thing has grown large and in charge. The purple tipped frogspawn has grown substantially in such a short amount of time. Absolutely beautiful coral.
I wasn’t too sure about this guy and if he was truly friend or actually foe since I found a small polyp from the frogspawn on the ground, and he was looking big enough to fit the bill. But I just saw him absolutely decimate a patch of hair algae I had so he’s a keeper. I think there’s a gorilla crab lurking under the rock the frogspawn is on. To the sump with him if I find him.
Finally. After a lot of research and honestly where most of my attention has been for this tank has been this rainbow bubble tip anemone. He goes through spurts of looking great and then not. He placed himself in this nook so I don’t want to move him. Goes from completely closing up, to normal, to almost going inside out? Not really sure where the issue lies. There was another crab, literally up against it for a few days, not sure what it was doing as I couldn’t tell if it was harming the BTA or not. I moved him to the sump out of precaution.
Two pics of the tank below. Pain to keep the glass clean when it’s next to a window that gets indirect sunlight. Had family over who kept opening that window too -_-
For reference with the absolute unit of a crab I was mentioning. The right rock covered with algae, the top part of it is sparkling clean as of today. 10/10.
Some of the above pics I got some orphek phone lenses for pictures. Not extremely happy with the coloring but it isn’t terrible. I’m also using an iPhone 11 which could be why haha. I don’t use my phone too often as I’m too busy, but might upgrade for the camera.
Recently got a mushroom coral, believe it is a jawbreaker, at least that’s what it was advertised to me as. It seems to be growing well, with its base starting to cover more of the rock it’s on, and another head showing on a closer section of the rock.
Got this Kenya tree coral, it didn’t quite take off with where I had it placed in the sand. Especially since the new yasha goby and pistol shrimp I got practically buried it at one point. Moved it to some rock work right above where they were digging and it seems to be taking off pretty well.
I also got a yellow watchman goby, however he stays on his side of the tank and doesn’t come out too much. Thinking I should get him a shrimp as well. The best picture I have of this little guy is the bag I got him in, while he was acclimating.
I also got a royal gramma who has been extremely shy, but I’ve noticed starting to come out more and more as time goes on. I was a little concerned that the two clowns were bullying it but they seemed to be just curious in general.
The paly frag that came on the GSP I bought early on is starting to thrive on its separate rock. I separated the small frag from the GSP and glued it to a plug, then placed on a rock after it got a little bigger. Not a really big fan of it, but like how I was able to help it thrive.
The GSP on the back wall seems to be getting bigger and started to develop a mat onto the overflow. Waiting to see when it takes off.
And holy cow this thing has grown large and in charge. The purple tipped frogspawn has grown substantially in such a short amount of time. Absolutely beautiful coral.
I wasn’t too sure about this guy and if he was truly friend or actually foe since I found a small polyp from the frogspawn on the ground, and he was looking big enough to fit the bill. But I just saw him absolutely decimate a patch of hair algae I had so he’s a keeper. I think there’s a gorilla crab lurking under the rock the frogspawn is on. To the sump with him if I find him.
Finally. After a lot of research and honestly where most of my attention has been for this tank has been this rainbow bubble tip anemone. He goes through spurts of looking great and then not. He placed himself in this nook so I don’t want to move him. Goes from completely closing up, to normal, to almost going inside out? Not really sure where the issue lies. There was another crab, literally up against it for a few days, not sure what it was doing as I couldn’t tell if it was harming the BTA or not. I moved him to the sump out of precaution.
Two pics of the tank below. Pain to keep the glass clean when it’s next to a window that gets indirect sunlight. Had family over who kept opening that window too -_-
For reference with the absolute unit of a crab I was mentioning. The right rock covered with algae, the top part of it is sparkling clean as of today. 10/10.
Some of the above pics I got some orphek phone lenses for pictures. Not extremely happy with the coloring but it isn’t terrible. I’m also using an iPhone 11 which could be why haha. I don’t use my phone too often as I’m too busy, but might upgrade for the camera.
OP
OP
UPDATE! A lot has happened in a month! Caught one of maybe two mantis shrimps that came in on my live rock from TBS. It’s the risk you take for beautiful and healthy ecosystems. I still hear the second one but can’t find them.
I’ve added a few fish/inverts to the tank to include:
Purple Firefish
Tiger Pistol Shrimp (For Yellow Watchman)
Pincushion Urchin
Lawnmower Blenny
Red Eyed Fairy Wrasse
Around October I also added new coral additions I purchased from a Tidal Gardens Live Sale to include multiple zoas, favia, acan enchinata, and some softies such as devils hand and pink cabbage.
A couple of weeks ago I also got a dragon soul torch which has been doing great.
The small set of palys I initially fragged apart from my GSP have taken off. I’m fearful of them spreading so on the plug they stay. Most of the corals are doing well with the exception of the devils hand which has white spots from potential bleaching, and the pink cabbage which is starting to show signs as well.
Also made some equipment upgrades to include an AI Orbit 4, a Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer, better cable management, and an ATO to make use of the 3 inch gap between my tank and the wall.
Enough talking, let’s see it!
I’ve added a few fish/inverts to the tank to include:
Purple Firefish
Tiger Pistol Shrimp (For Yellow Watchman)
Pincushion Urchin
Lawnmower Blenny
Red Eyed Fairy Wrasse
Around October I also added new coral additions I purchased from a Tidal Gardens Live Sale to include multiple zoas, favia, acan enchinata, and some softies such as devils hand and pink cabbage.
A couple of weeks ago I also got a dragon soul torch which has been doing great.
The small set of palys I initially fragged apart from my GSP have taken off. I’m fearful of them spreading so on the plug they stay. Most of the corals are doing well with the exception of the devils hand which has white spots from potential bleaching, and the pink cabbage which is starting to show signs as well.
Also made some equipment upgrades to include an AI Orbit 4, a Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer, better cable management, and an ATO to make use of the 3 inch gap between my tank and the wall.
Enough talking, let’s see it!
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Don’t worry everyone I will get better at taking pictures. First priority is making sure the tank is okay. Open to suggestions. The on phone clip lenses are okay, but I have an iPhone 11 with a meh camera, what are some ways I can capture the beauty I see here so I can share it with others?UPDATE! A lot has happened in a month! Caught one of maybe two mantis shrimps that came in on my live rock from TBS. It’s the risk you take for beautiful and healthy ecosystems. I still hear the second one but can’t find them.
I’ve added a few fish/inverts to the tank to include:
Purple Firefish
Tiger Pistol Shrimp (For Yellow Watchman)
Pincushion Urchin
Lawnmower Blenny
Red Eyed Fairy Wrasse
Around October I also added new coral additions I purchased from a Tidal Gardens Live Sale to include multiple zoas, favia, acan enchinata, and some softies such as devils hand and pink cabbage.
A couple of weeks ago I also got a dragon soul torch which has been doing great.
The small set of palys I initially fragged apart from my GSP have taken off. I’m fearful of them spreading so on the plug they stay. Most of the corals are doing well with the exception of the devils hand which has white spots from potential bleaching, and the pink cabbage which is starting to show signs as well.
Also made some equipment upgrades to include an AI Orbit 4, a Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer, better cable management, and an ATO to make use of the 3 inch gap between my tank and the wall.
Enough talking, let’s see it!
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